J.P. Morgan Self-Directed vs Public (2026): Which Is Better?
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing and Public both offer accessible commission-free investing, but J.P. Morgan centers on Chase integration while Public emphasizes a modern app, social discovery, and a broader mix of alternative assets.
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J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is a credible addition for beginners and existing Chase customers who want commission-free options inside a familiar banking app. It is not the best pure options platform, but it clears the bar as a regulated, established U.S. broker with real listed-options access and broad mainstream coverage.
Public is worth listing because it is FINRA-regulated, available to U.S. investors, covered by multiple top-tier review sources, and offers real listed options with a cost structure no other mainstream broker matches. I would not rank it above specialized options platforms, but for fee-sensitive beginners who want free options trading and a polished app, it is a credible option.
Side-by-Side Comparison
How we review: Our team opens real accounts and tests every platform hands-on. We evaluate on commissions, tools, and execution — never influenced by affiliate relationships. Editorial policy →
| Feature | J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Public |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 4 | 4 |
| Commissions | Free | Free + rebates |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Free to Close Options | No | No |
| Paper Trading | — | — |
| Account Types | Individual, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA | Individual, Joint, IRA |
| Regulated | FINRA / SIPC | FINRA / SIPC |
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing — Full Review
The core appeal is convenience, not elite trading software. NerdWallet, StockBrokers.com, Investopedia, and Bankrate all still cover the broker in 2026, and Chase continues marketing commission-free options with no minimum to U.S. self-directed investors. That makes it relevant for TOS readers who value familiar banking integration over advanced probability tools, multi-leg analytics, or speed-heavy trading workflows.
Public — Full Review
Public Investing launched in 2019, so it clears the seasoning threshold and is no longer a fresh startup. Tier 1 coverage from NerdWallet, Bankrate, and StockBrokers shows a consistent pattern: strong design, unusually attractive options economics, and weaker advanced tooling than the best dedicated trading platforms. That makes Public more of a low-cost beginner-to-intermediate options broker than a destination for heavy strategy traders, but that niche is still meaningful for The Option Stack audience.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing if Chase integration, consolidated banking, and a familiar large-bank ecosystem matter more than social or alternative-investment features.
Choose Public if you prefer a modern investing app, commission-free equity options, social discovery, and access to asset types beyond a traditional bank brokerage.